Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Simple life and work value for children

How are you raising your children to live simply in a techno-obsessed world? How are you, or did you, raise children who are happy without having everything their friends have?

Rhonda has hit on what is probably THE most important thing in my stage of life right now. As a mother to two girls (3 1/2-year-old Shira and 21-month-old Tehilla), I often struggle with finding gentle but firm ways to instill discipline. My goal is to raise considerate, kind, generous adults who love to learn, work, and interact with the word surrounding them in a healthy, vibrant way.

First off, children learn from example - not only outward, but inward. I need to be what I want them to become - gentle, cheerful, friendly, hardworking and creative. Otherwise, there is no hope I can ever artificially mold them into some ideal I have spun in my head but never lived upon. So first I am educating and disciplining the person who needs it most - myself.

Second, we strive to live gently, slowly and simply. The crazy pace of our world often doesn't allow parents to get their children to participate in day-to-day life, because they are so bent on doing everything as fast as possible - and little children do slow you down. Also, children are often shuttled off to too many activities to leave them any time for participating in simple life and simple chores.

My children, in particularly Shira, pick up their toys, gather eggs, help out in the kitchen, help sweep the front porch, do simple cleaning tasks (wipe the windows, etc) and hang up small items of laundry. Work is not a punishment - being allowed to participate in the adult life is a treat, an honorable badge of being a big girl and Mommy's helper. I'm not saying they do all the above with a 100%-success rate, but I do try to keep them involved on a consistent basis.

I would do all the work more effectively on my own - for now. But I know that some years down the road, I will be very glad for allowing my daughter to hang up her own underwear, taking about five minutes for each item.

Interaction with nature, plants and farm animals is important in building up character, too. It teaches responsibility and gentleness in such a wholesome, never-boring way. Seeds need to be watered regularly if you wish to get any results. Animals must be fed first thing in the morning. Chicks must be handled delicately. All of this creates a flow of learning which is only very slightly directed by us, as parents. This type of learning can be created in an urban setting as well; a herb garden in pots and an aquarium, for example, are great as a touch of nature.

If we have animals, plants, inexpensive crafts, satisfying kitchen work, stories and nature walks, we don't need many expensive toys and gadgets. My girls very rarely watch videos. When our development nurse suggests to "limit screen time for the baby", I give her a wild look. What screen time?? We are busy living life!

5 comments:

Great answer:-) From the perspective of a mom further down the road (my oldest is 20 and I have 9 total), add to what you said; you just don't buy the electronics, and be careful who you let be the little one's friends. When they are older, explain why you prefer to not have lots of electronics going. They have to learn how to handle the "I wants" eventually and the earlier the better.

What a wonderful way to raise children! I agree it's much easier to do housework by ourselves, and when my now-21 year old was little, that's exactly what I did. It wasn't until she was in her teens that we started working together around the house and I learned that it's a fantastic bonding experience.

The great thing about children assisting with chores is that they feel part of a team, rather than looking to their parents to do everything for them.

My son, who's 12 now, has always helped out with small tasks. He's finally reached the age where he offers to help, and really seems to enjoy working in the yard with his dad doing "Man Stuff", as they call it.

Oh Anna, you are such an inspiration. This is the best parenting advice I have ever heard apart from the wisdom in the bible. This is why I enjoy visiting your blog again and again. Your girls are lucky to have such dedicated parents.

Thank you for visiting

Domestic Felicity is the journey of one woman who loves her family and home and seeks to live a simple, peaceful, and purposeful life. It is also a record of my daily experiences and challenges and everything I'm learning as I walk along this path. If you wish to ask or comment about something but want to do it in private, you are welcome to email me.

A little bit about me

I'm a Jewish woman, a wife, a mother, a homemaker. I love everything that has to do with home and family, and enjoy the solitude of my quiet corner, which is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Israel. Our lives are simple, but very full, busy and satisfying. I'm passionate about writing, hand crafts, healthy food, home education and the human connection to land and nature.